2017 ANNUAL REPORT

SHEFA

SAIPAN HIGHER EDUCATION

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Phone: 670-233-5995/235-1020/21

Fax: 670.233-5996

Email: saipanshefa@gmail.com

www.saipanshefa.net

2

CONTENTS

I. Message from the Chairman 3

II. Structure & Services

Board of Directors

Administration

Mission & Goals

Types of Financial Assistance

Eligibility Requirements

4

III. Accountability Corner 10

IV. FY 2017 Overview

Award Status

WICHE Data

12

V. Snapshot of SHEFA Recipients 14

VI. Highlights & Activities 19

VII. Student Success Stories 22

VIII. SHEFA Photos 27

3

Hafa Adai, Tirow and Welcome.

It is with sincere appreciation that I thank you on behalf of the SHEFA Board of

Directors, staff and recipients for your support. This would not be possible without

the continuous support of the Saipan Mayor’s Office and leadership of the Saipan and

Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.

In this report you will find an overview of the SHEFA program, activities and

student success stories of 2017. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to

following the progress of every SHEFA recipient because as we know, our greatest

reward is when our scholars return home and become the leaders that strengthen

today’s workforce and community.

With all best wishes and kindest regards,

Oscar M. Babauta

I. MESSAGE FROM THE

CHAIRMAN

4

II. STRUCTURE & SERVICES A

. BO

AR

D O

F D

IRE

CT

OR

S

Oscar M. Babauta

SHEFA Chairman

Chairman. Committee on Fiscal, Legislative & Community Affairs

Juan K. Tenorio

SHEFA Vice-Chairman

Chairman, Committee on Appeals

Francisco D. Cabrera

SHEFA Secretary/Treasurer

Chairman, Committee on Awards

Ursula Lifoifoi Aldan

Board Member

Chairwoman, Committee on

Policy & Procedures

Raymond Muna

Board Member

Chairman, Committee on

Program & Development

5

SHEFA Board of Directors Duties

¨ Govern the SHEFA program

¨ Promulgate regulations

¨ Create policies

¨ Authority and control of all funds appropriated by the Saipan Northern Island

Legislative Delegation (SNILD)

¨ Reviews all appeals, deferment and forbearance requests

¨ Proposes legislation & makes appropriate recommendations to the legislature

on policies governing the SHEFA program

SHEFA 2017 Regular Monthly Board Meeting Dates

1. October 27, 2016

2. November 23, 2016

3. December 28, 2016

4. January 26, 2017

5. February 26, 2017

6. March 16, 2017

7. April 27, 2017

8. May 25, 2017

9. June 29, 2017

10. July 20, 2017

11. August 24, 2017

12. September 21, 2017

6

STAFF

Merissa S. Rasa, Administrator

Antonette P. Iglecias, Compliance Officer

Doreen C. Masga, Administrative Assistant

Vanessa Olopai, Office Clerk

Tricia Dela Cruz, WIA Trainee

Provides SHEFA board support, program

management, budget, annual report, staff training;

Educates students and families about the process of obtaining financial aid;

Enforces financial aid rules and regulations;

Reviews and processes all financial aid applications;

Disburses thousands of dollars in financial assistance;

Monitor previous recipients to comply with SHEFA Memorandum of

Agreement (MOA);

SHEFA website, social media site updates and student outreach;

Services hundreds of student grants and helps recipients avoid default;

Payment agreement plans and collection efforts with previous recipients in

default;

Data management and collection of all recipients;

Student tracking/updating student records;

Assist recipients with internship referrals and assistance

in job placement.

Administration

7

B. Mission The mission of the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance (SHEFA) under the Municipality of Saipan, Office of the Mayor is to expand educational opportunities and provide financial assistance to qualified residents of Saipan (inclusive of the Northern Islands) for the betterment of our workforce.

To become data, law, policy and procedure, rules and regulations driven in all

decision making.

Commitment to increase transparency and accountability to SNILD and the

community for the use of SHEFA appropriations based on the above.

To expand educational and vocational trade opportunities in the Commonwealth.

Improve operational efficiency and flexibility.

To encourage educational and vocational trade buildup program opportunities to

current workforce employees looking to attain a college degree or vocational

trade. Such programs include Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at the Northern

Marianas College (NMC) to current Saipan and Northern Islands workforce

employees to convert training hours to academic credits; another includes plans

for a possible Workforce Development Scholarship that will focus on long-term

buildup of expertise in different fields, e.g., masters, doctoral degrees, and other

specialize field

To improve compliance, collection, and enforcement efforts as well as job

referrals for upcoming graduates or students taking a break in enrollment.

To have an educated workforce for greater economic stability and prosperity.

To provide support, incentives, staff and board development training.

C. Goals

8

D. Types of Financial Assistance 1. Grant-in-aid: is a type of financial assistance available to a student from Saipan

pursuing postsecondary education in U.S. accredited colleges or universities. If a grant

recipient does not return to Saipan after completion of his or her studies, the grant

automatically becomes a loan and the grant recipient must repay the SHEFA fund plus

interest in accordance with the terms and conditions of attached promissory note/

memorandum of agreement.

2. Priority Field of Study: is a type of financial assistance that is available to a student

from Saipan pursuing post-secondary education based on financial need, academic

achievement and other established criteria. A second type of assistance under the

scholarship program is one in which a student pursues a field of study that has been

identified by SHEFA as a priority field of study for the island of Saipan, and having met

other established criteria. The priority field of study award is granted only to Junior and

Senior college level students and those pursuing advance degrees.

3. Merit Incentive Award: is a type of financial assistance that is based on academic

performance at the end of every semester or quarter, called the merit incentive award.

Applicants in their first term of college are not eligible to receive the merit incentive

award. Students taking remedial courses or developmental courses in fulfillment of a full

-time status are not eligible for the merit incentive award.

Scholarship recipients must work on Saipan either in the private or public sector for as

long a period as the duration of the scholarship. If a scholarship recipient does not return

to Saipan after completion of his or her studies, the scholarship automatically becomes a

loan and the recipient must repay the SHEFA fund plus interest in accordance with the

Fall Application Deadline: July 1st Spring Application Deadline: December 1st

Deadline for Supporting Documents: September 30th Deadline for Supporting Documents: February 28th

9

E. Eligibility Requirements

In order to obtain funds through SHEFA, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be enrolled in or accepted at an institution of higher learning, and be able to prove one year Saipan residency prior to their application for financial assistance. Applicants must also be full-time students and maintain a 2.5 grade point average (GPA).

Upon certification of eligibility, recipients are required to complete, sign, and notarize a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which acknowledges their agreement to return to Saipan to provide services for the community. Failure to adhere to the MOA should result in aid received being converted to an interest-bearing loan.

SHEFA currently administers three types of financial assistance: Grant-in-Aid, Field of Study (priority fields) and Merit Incentive Award. Grant amounts vary by the type of financial assistance and whether the study is on Saipan or off-island.

Maximum duration of eligibility for financial assistance per degree type

2 Academic Years - Associate Degree

4 Academic Years - Bachelors’ Degree*

2 Academic Years - Graduate Degree

3 Academic Years - Advanced Degree**

*maximum of five academic years for specialized majors and/or specialized certification by the institution of record.

**maximum of three academic years not including summer, with a provision for up to three additional academic years for dissertation writing, dissertation defense, and internship requirements or medical degree training requirement, and up to two years for jurisprudence work or related residence internship or related training requirements.

Financial Assistance Amount Per

Term

On-island/Online recipients

•NMTI: $600

•Grant-In-Aid: $800

•Priority Field of Study: $1,000

•Merit Incentive Award: $1,000

Off-island recipients

•Grant-In-Aid: $1,200

•Priority Field of Study: $1,000

•Merit Incentive Award: $1,500

Advance Degrees: $4,500

10

III. Accountability Corner

Fiscal Year Operation Award Appropriation Total Allotment Transfer Out Expenditure Balance

FY 2004

$ 150,000.00 $ 1,200,000.00 $ 1,350,000.00 $ 1,200,000.00

$ 170,600.00

$ 1,029,400.00

SLL 14-9 (Operations) $ -

SLL 14-13

(Scholarship/Grants)

FY 2005 $ 150,000.00 $ 2,400,000.00 $ 2,550,000.00 $ 1,478,316.00

$1,029,400.00 $ 2,028,636.00 $ (550,320.00)

SLL 14-28

FY 2006 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 3,148,352.00

$ - $ 2,925,253.00 $ 223,099.00

SLL 15-5

FY 2007 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 2,995,984.00

$ - $ 2,374,755.18 $ 621,228.82

SLL 15-5

FY 2008 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 2,840,883.00

$ - $ 3,122,769.45 $ (281,886.45)

SLL 15-26

FY 2009 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 2,862,048.00

$ - $ 3,123,106.00 $ (261,058.00)

SLL 16-4

FY 2010 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00

$ - $ 3,749,606.86 $ (649,606.86)

SLL 16-10

FY 2011 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00

$ - $ 2,842,534.83 $ 257,465.17

SLL 17-9

FY 2012 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 1,388,599.00

$ - $ 1,588,275.00 $ (199,676.00)

SLL 17-14

FY 2013 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 3,002,324.00

$ - $ 1,735,369.83 $ 1,266,954.17

SLL 18-3

FY 2014 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 3,324,976.00

$ - $ 1,780,154.54

$ 1,544,821.46

SLL 18-7

FY 2015 $ 100,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00 $ 3,100,000.00

$ - $ 1,614,472.00

$ 1,485,528.00

SLL 18- 24

FY 2016

SLL 19-6 $ - $ - $ - $ - $1,000,000.00 $ - $ -

FY 2016 $ 200,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,200,000.00 $ 2,990,969.31

$ - $ 2,079,212.72

$ 911,756.59

SLL 19-11

FY 2017 $ 170,000.00 $ 3,000,000.00 $ 3,170,000.00 $ 2,791,972.72

$ - $ 2,303,957.48

$ 488,015.24

SLL 19-27

TOTAL $ 41,270,000.00 $ 37,324,424.03 $ 2,029,400.00 $ 31,438,702.89 $ 5,885,721.14

1 Total includes allotment for awards and operations.

2 Total includes award disbursement and operations for each fiscal year. 3 $2,400,000 was allotted in FY 2005 but $1,029,400 was later de-allotted. The de-allotment should have been recorded in FY 2004 because excess of allotment over expenditures occurred that year. As shown above, the FY 2004 average of $1,028,370 plus the $1,030 operational expense recorded under financial assistance funds, will add up to 1,029,400. The untimely recording of the de-allotment makes it appear that expenditures exceeded allotments in FY 2005. 4 Saipan Local Law No. 19-06 took effect on 10-6-2015; SNILD appropriates $1,000,000.00 out from SHEFA (Business Unit No. 3359) to assist in the repair and renovations of the facilities at the Northern Marianas College (NMC) from the damages caused by Typhoon Soudelor.

11

OPERATING EXPENDITURE

Department: Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance FY 2017-Business Unit 3386

Class Code Object Classification FY 2017 Budget FY 2017 Actual Expense

61090 Wages/Salaries - CSG $0 $0

61100 Wages/Salaries - UNG $114,500 $98,601

61180 Life Insurance $0 $210

61195 401 (k) DC Retirement Contribution $4,580 $880

61196 FICA $7,099 $6,087

61210 Health Insurance Employers Contribution (Actual Enrollment) $4,580 $15,238

61220 Medicare Employers Contribution $1,660 $1,370

61240 Workman’s Compensation $0 $0

(3 employees) Total Personnel Costs $132,419 $122,386

62060 Professional Services $4,250 $3,000

62070 Public Auditor’s Fee $1,324 $0

62080 Advertising $0 $767

62100 Boards and Other Comp. $2,000 $1,110

Total Professional Services $7,574 $4,877

62250 Communications $6,500 $7,500

62260 Dues and Subscriptions $180 $180

62300 Printing and Photocopying $1,000 $500

62440 Rental Office Space $0 $0

62460 Rental Office Equipment $1,300 $1,295

Total Office Expenses $8,980 $9,475

62660 Repair and Maintenance $950 $922

62710 Utilities $3,100 $2987

63030 Fuel and Lubrication $400 $380

Total Others $4,450 $4,289

63040 Supplies - Office $1,000 $1,000

63050 Supplies - Operations General $1,200 $1,500

Total Supplies: $2,200 $2,500

62420 Vehicle Lease $10,000

$10,019

63120 Equipment under $5000 $0 $2,267

64520 Office Improvements $0 $1,970

64550 Computer Systems and Equipment $3,000 $3,000

64560 Office Equipment $0 $1,839

64570 Office Furniture & Fixtures $1,377 $1,548

Total Capitalized Fixed Assets $14,377 $20,643

Total Operations $37581 $41,784

Total Personnel & Operations $170,000 $164,170

12

IV. Fiscal Year 2017 Overview

Fall 2016 (check request 9-17)

Spring 2017 (check request 1-17)

Fall 2017 (check request 1-11)

Total Applications Process from Fall 2016-Fall 2017: 2870 Total Recipients (unique count): 878 Top 5 reasons applications were denied: 1. Incomplete application package. 2. Applicant met maximum award duration for financial assistance. 3. Applicant did not maintain 12 credits at the end of their term. 4. Applicant did not maintain 2.5 CGPA requirement after their term. 5. Applicant must be enrolled full-time for each term they are seeking assistance.

Disbursement Total: $181,400 Total Number of Recipients:113

Disbursement Total: $1,002,200 Total Number of Recipients: 563

Disbursement Total: $962,100 Total Number of Recipients:585

Grant-In-Aid: $114,400 Priority Field: $35,000 Merit-Incentive Award: $32,000

Grant-In-Aid: $577,200 Priority Field: $160,000 Merit-Incentive Award: $265,000

Grant-In-Aid: $610,600 Priority Field: $129,000 Merit-Incentive Award: $222,500

Award Status

*FY 17 Award Disbursement:

$2,145,700

*Total disbursement from

2004-2017: $30,353,400

$-

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

Fall 2016 Spring 2017 Fall 2017

Am

ou

nt i

n D

olla

rs

Academic Terms

FY 2017 AWARD DISBURSEMENT

13

2017 WICHE DATA

WICHE INSTITUTIONS SELECTED BY RECIPIENTS

State University/College No. Students Total per State

Alaska University of Alaska 1 1

Arizona Arizona State University 5 5

California California State Polytechnic University 1 3

California State University 2

Colorado

Colorado State University 1

3 University of Colorado 1

Pikes Peak Community College 1

CNMI Northern Marianas College 484 484

Hawaii

University of Hawaii 9

26 University of Hawaii at Hilo 9

University of Hawaii at Manoa 7

University of Hawaii at Maui 1

Idaho Boise State University 16

17 University of Idaho 1

Nevada College of South Nevada 2

7 University of Nevada 5

New Mexico New Mexico Military Institute 1

2 University of New Mexico 1

Oregon

Eastern Oregon University 5

16 Portland State University 6

Western Oregon University 5

Utah

Dixie State University 8

10 Southern Utah University 1

Utah State University 1

Washington Central Washington University 1

3 Washington State University 2

Total 577

Public Law 20-08 : To enable the CNMI to participate in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher

Education’s Professional Student Exchange Program; and for other purposes.

14

V. SNAPSHOT OF SHEFA RECIPIENTS

63%

37%

GENDER

Female Male$600

$10,200

$600 1 17 1

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018

Northern Marianas Trades Institute

No. of Recipients Disbursement Total

Types of Institutions

Vocational/Trade School 17

Online University 54

Community College 527

University 280

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

TOTA

L R

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TS P

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SITU

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15

Certi ficate2%

Freshman43%

Sophomore22%

Junior

16%

Senior9%

Masters

6%

Advance2%

Education Level of Recipients

Certificate Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Masters Advance

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

Certificate

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Advance/Doctorate Degree

Certificate Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's DegreeAdvance/Doctorate

Degree

Total 17 382 420 49 20

Pursuing the following types of certificate/de grees

16

1. Northern Marianas College

2. University of Guam

3. University of Hawaii

4. Boise State University

5. Portland State University

6. Chaminade University

7. Portland Community College

8. Guam Community College

9. University of Washington

10. Northern Marianas Trades Institute

RECIPIENT PICKS

Certi ficate0%

Associate Degree

72%

Bachelor's

Degree

23%

Master's Degree

4%

Advance/Doctorate Degree

1%

Types of Degrees Obtained in 2017

Certificate Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree

Advance/Doctorate Degree

020406080

100120140160180

TOTA

L R

ECIP

IEN

TS

MAJORS

Field of Study

17

136

373

172

0

22

8

50

10

12

14

81

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Kagman High School

Marianas High School

Saipan Southern High School

Eucon International School

Grace Christian Academy

Marianas Baptist Academy

Mount Carmel School

Saipan International School

Northern Marianas Academy

NMC GED

Other

2016-2017 Recipients Graduated From the Following

High Schools

2 1 1 6

31

1 13 12 8 4

25

60

13 16 1224

85

4347

36

1

130

13

63

3 6 19 13 6 12

32

13 19

56

27

18 70

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

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Recipients Per Village

18

Type Major Total

Associate Degree Accounting 6

Business Administration/Management/Marketing

9

Computer Applications 4

Criminal Justice 9

Hospitality Management 5

Liberal Arts 28

Natural Resource Management 7

Nursing 2

Political Science 1

Bachelor’s Degree Human Services 1

Business Administration/Management/Marketing

9

Education 9

International Tourism & Hospitality Manage-ment

1

Political Science 1

Rehabilitation and Human Services 1

Theatre & Interdisciplinary 1

SPED 1

Master’s Degree Science 1

Education 2

Public Administration 1

Advance/Doctorate Law 1

Psychology 1

Education 1

Total No. of Graduates for 2017: 102

Listing of Degrees Obtained in 2017

Off-Island

37%

On-island

57%

Onl ine

6%

Percentage of Recipients Attending School On-island,

Off-island and On-line

Location of Institution Off-Island On-island Online

19

Highlights & Activities

SHEFA Student Services Time Management

SHEFA Office continues to be a champion in its award to eligible applicants pursuing post-secondary education and vocation trade insti-tutions of their choice, and assist defray the cost of their educational expenses. SHEFA is the only local financial institution extending its arm to graduate and post-graduate or doctoral studies to assist defray their educational costs.

SHEFA Office continues to provide timely process of awards to student recipients who meet all the require-ments and timeline. The same can be said of the appeals that have been addressed and resolved in a timely manner. SHEFA readily distribute its financial awards (checks) prior to startup of classes or within a few weeks before clas-ses begin.

SHEFA Community Outreach

Through the use of social media, the community and SHEFA recipi-ents, are kept informed about up-coming financial assistance, em-ployment, internships and training / workshop opportunities. On-site presentations are given by the SHEFA staff and sometimes board members at both public and private high schools, Northern Marianas College and other private agencies upon request; as well as participa-tion at on-island job fairs and ca-reer-day activities.

SHEFA Record Management &

Accountability

The ongoing efforts to improve and bring about compliance on SHEFA’s Memorandum of Agree-ment accountability on financial and recipients’ data collection have been very challenging for the office and staff. The challenge the office faces is the recipients’ unaccounta-bility, of which many student recip-ients choose not to communicate, ignore, or simply forget to update our office with their current infor-mation or provide what is required of them after graduation or non-enrollment. SHEFA office contin-ues to be proactive and encourage student recipients to return home, to share their information so the community and future students can benefit from their repayments and or services. Data collection is very important to SHEFA’s credence and standing to show case reaps of its educated and skilled workforce.

We have increased our collections from previous recipients who chose to remain abroad and our currently paying back what is owed to SHEFA. This effort attributed to persistent communication

use of social media, outreach pro-grams, and simply by word of mouth of SHEFA’s timely deliver-ance of services.

SHEFA Office continues to main-tain collaboration with other de-partments on how to assist student recipients with internship referrals and/or job opportunities. SHEFA has become the ‘link’ between the student recipients and agencies

such as the CNMI Public School System, Commonwealth Health Center Corp., Department of Public Health, Northern Marianas College, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Bureau of Environmen-tal and Coastal Quality to name a few and other private sectors upon request for job announcement, re-ferrals in selected fields and place-ment.

Number of Students Assisted Per

Month:

● January 500

● February 456

● March 119

● April 111

● May 238

● June 847

● July 672

● August 740

● September 477

● October 222

● November 268

● December 324

20

Published amended SHEFA regulations:

1. Revised SHEFA mission statement.

2. 2.5 CGPA requirement waived for all first-time SHEFA applicants.

3. Increase Military deferment waiver from three (3) years to four (4) years.

4. Increase grace period to return to Saipan and work after graduation or non-enrollment from three (3)

months to nine (9) months to allow students additional time to return home and become financially settled.

5. Revised Priority Field of Study list to reflect current workforce needs.

Pending Actions:

1. SHEFA on Disability-Finalizing SHEFA on Disability checklist and guidelines.

2. Prior Learning Assessment- The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program is ideal for adult students who

wish to complete a degree while working in their careers. Students are able to earn academic course credits

without enrolling in the course offering by evaluating their competency with nationally recognized tests or

proficient assessments. Students are able to be awarded up to 30 prior learning credits towards the degree

being sought.

2017 Saipan Local Laws pertaining to SHEFA

1. PL 20-10: “To repeal and reenact 4 CMC §2307; Repeal and reenact 4 CMC §2308; To earmark the casino gross revenue tax to supplement the payment of the 25 percent of all the retiree’s pensions and to include NMC, NMTI as recipients of the funds generated from the gross revenue tax.”

2017 House Local Bills/Senate Bills pertaining to/may

affect SHEFA

(please email saipanshefa@gmail.com for a copy of our comments)

1. H.B. 20-12: “To amend Sec. 1201 (b) of the Saipan Zoning Law of 2013…by extending the effective date for the relocation of all nonconforming adult gambling machine businesses.”

2. H.B. 20-21: “To increase the poker and pachinko machine license fee.”

3. H.B. 20-38: “To transfer the licensing and regulatory functions of the Dept. of Finance in respect to poker, pachinko, and electronic gaming machines to the Commonwealth Casino Commission.”

STAFF

TRAINING

Smart Session trainings on the

following related scholarship

topics:

-Grace to Repayment; The FSA ID;

-Helping Student Gain Access

-Financial Wellness Program;

-What happens when a borrower

dies;

-Filing for Bankruptcy;

-Loan Rehabilitation;

-Public Service Loan Forgiveness

21

OTHER ACTIVITIES

SHEFA is part of the Strategic Workforce Action Team lead by Northern Marianas College, which is a group formed to address the CNMI’s workforce development and continuing education needs. The first meeting cen-tered on topics like career readiness, customer service skills, internship and scholarship opportunities for both college and high school students. The SWAT team in-cludes leaders & representatives of the Public School System, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Marianas Visitors Authority, Northern Marianas Institute, SHEFA, CNMI Scholarship Office, Chamber of Com-merce, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Civic Service Commission, Hotel Association of the NMI, and Office of Personnel Management.

SHEFA participated as a panelist in the 2-day 4th Annual CNMI Women’s Summit. This event was host-ed by the Women’s Association & Office of Women’s Affairs. This year’s theme was, “Empowering Women as Leaders of Change.”

SHEFA under the lead of Mayor David M. Apatang, assisted Marianas Aviation Services with the selec-tion process of eligible applicants for the Kenneth R. Combs Jr. Scholarship. This scholarship through Marianas Aviation Services offered free training classes for airline ticketing & ground handling. The course which costs $1,200 per student was given to 24 eligible applicants as MAS’s way of giving back to the community. MAS is a full-service aviation career school and consulting company. A total of 26 stu-dents, ranging from 18 to 60 years old, obtained certification in both areas.

SHEFA hired a full-time Compliance Officer to assist all previous recipients with job referrals, compli-ance and repayment for those who chose to remain and work abroad.

Mayor David M. Apatang re-appointed Mrs. Ursula Lifoifoi Aldan, Mr. Francisco D. Cabrera and Mr. Raymond Muna to serve 2 more years on the SHEFA board because of their outstanding performance. Mrs. Aldan is going on her 3rd term as a SHEFA board member and Mr. Cabera and Muna on their 2nd term.

SHEFA participated in the 1st Annual CNMI Scholarship Fair which was held on November 25th, 2017 as well as annual Job Fairs and Cash for College events held throughout the year.

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My Saipan Higher Education Financial Assis-tance (SHEFA) scholarship award has played a significant role in my journey towards achiev-ing a higher education. When I graduated from Saipan Southern High School in 2009, I moved to Honolulu to pursue my undergraduate de-gree. There, I realized early on, that for the next four years, I would struggle financially as a full-time student. This was a difficult realization for me because I was away from home and did not know anyone else in Honolulu at that time. I decided not to work while going to school because I was required to maintain an A aver-age GPA in order to keep many of my scholar-ships. Although I received grants, other financial aid, and help from my family, the cost of living, tuition and dorm fees, and books and supplies were overwhelming. SHEFA helped to alleviate many of my financial worries through its schol-arship. Almost every semester I used the money I received from SHEFA to fund my textbooks; typically, my textbooks costed me from $800- $1000. After buying textbooks, I spent the remainder of my SHEFA aid on school supplies and everyday costs. Often, the money I had left over from my SHEFA aid funded my food, clothes, dorm supplies, and transportation fees for the whole semester. My SHEFA aid was an even more critical resource for me while I was in law school. This was because I did not receive as much financial assistance as I did in undergrad. Additionally, my tuition and student fees were much more expensive. On top of paying for books and study aids, my SHEFA scholarship helped me to fund a new laptop computer which was essential for law school exam taking. In January 2014, I graduated magna cum laude from Chaminade University of Honolulu with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice. In May 2017, I graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. I am grateful for the hardworking SHEFA board members and staff, and for the municipality of Saipan-Office of the Mayor for their tireless efforts in support of higher education for CNMI citizens. I hope that the scholarship office will continue to provide CNMI students with the opportunities to pursue college educations for future years to come. Moreover, I hope that these CNMI college grads can return home to share their newly found skills and knowledge with the CNMI workforce. UN DONGKOLO NA SI YU’US MA’ASE, SHEFA OFFICE!

JANINA MARITITA Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)

Northwestern School of Law Arts &

Political Science

Student Success Stories

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SHEFA has been a great help throughout my pursuance of my Associate’s,

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree because it helped me minimize borrowing

student loans that could cost high interest rates after I got these degrees.

The scholarship that SHEFA provided was sufficient that it enabled me to

save some of the money to have a stabilized career. Receiving SHEFA

motivated myself to finish the education that I have started with a high

grade point average because I know that if I fail some of the classes that I

have taken, it will tremendously affect my GPA. Without the help of

SHEFA, I would not be able to obtain these degrees on time with an out-

standing performance and I am greatly thankful for that.

Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.

-Nelson Mandela

University of Guam

RICHARD VILA PIZARRO Master’s degree in Public Administration University of Guam Class of 2017

VICTORIA ANN C. DELEON GUERRERO Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies & Theatre Seattle University Class of 2017

To be where I am today was not easy. While pursuing my college degree at Seattle University, I learned very quickly that I was liv-ing in one of the most expensive cities in America. Just like my school tuition, prices rose every year and the cost of living made a person who had one part-time job look lazy. By my senior year of college I was balancing being a full-time student who was working three part-time jobs and an unpaid internship. The times of grace were when I would finally get my scholarship checks from the CNMI, because one check from SHEFA was about a month's worth of bills and it made expenses easier to manage. With the love and support of my family I was able to keep pushing myself towards the finish line, but without the support of my island, through grants and scholarships that organizations like SHEFA provide, I wouldn't have had a place to live, food to eat, or supplies to buy. Today, I can proudly say I earned my bachelor's degree in Interdiscipli-nary Studies and was able to find a job as the Program Coordinator for the Office of Institutional Advancement at the Northern Marianas College.

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We live in an era where jobs are highly competitive and education is expensive. Through the Saipan Higher

Education Financial Assistance Program (SHEFA) organization, I was not only allowed to dream big, but pur-

sue my education to make those dreams a reality. I was able to meet people from around the world and learn

from world-renowned researches, pharmacists and colleagues. Thanks to SHEFA, I graduated this past May

with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and will be putting it to use by serving the very community that supported

my dreams.

JOHNATHAN DANIEL L. MUNA Pharm. D. Doctor of Pharmacy University of Hawaii, Hilo Class of 2017

MARIA EMILY TENORIO Associate degree in Political Science & Liberal Arts College of Western Idaho

My name is Maria Emily Tenorio better known as Emily. I recently graduated from a community college called the College of Western Idaho in May. I was majoring in Liberal Arts and Political Science. I am now currently taking classes at Boise State University majoring in Social Science. With SHEFA’s assistance I was able to peruse my Bachelor’s degree now at Boise State University. I was able to pur-chase the essentials I need in order to prepare myself for this fall se-mester. Right now I am currently a Library Assistant at the College of West-ern Idaho and I’m currently a front desk agent at Marriott. I’ve always been a people’s person and both my jobs allow me to meet new peo-ple. I love to help others either miniature or substantial. Working at two different places is not an easy task to take especially while going to school. I told myself that I want to finish school so that I can be able to peruse my career in the long run as a Social Worker. After college I wanted to be able to go back to Saipan to help our communi-ty in any shape or form. I think that by going back to help our com-munity with the knowledge I’ve obtained in the mainland is very im-portant. Being able to make a difference in people’s lives and leading them to the right path is an extraordinary feeling and I want to be able to do that after college.

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Since my enrollment at the Northern Marianas College in 2014, I was privileged to avail of the CNMI SHEFA’s scholarships and incentives, which assisted me in defraying most of my expenses for college. SHEFA’s pleasant staff helped to make the registration process uncomplicated. Their professionalism assured me that my concerns matter to them and would be addressed in ample time. Thankfully, their promptness al-lowed for scholarship awards to be released before the semester began- even after Typhoon Soudelor (wow!!)- no waiting for any type of response, update, or disbursement, or at the end of the semester for scholarship awards. Each semester I was enrolled in, the SHEFA scholarships gave me some peace of mind when I wor-ried about purchasing my costly textbooks and other college materials (scientific calculators are expensive!!) prior to the first day of classes. This is a huge relief for me: a mother of five, a wife to a Fire Fighter/EMT, a full-time secretary/office manager for a law firm, and a full-time college student. Fortunately, I successfully completed all my semesters and I obtained my Associate’s degree this year. In May, I reapplied with NMC in pursuit of my Bachelor’s degree and reapplied with SHEFA for its scholarship, and I have already been award-ed SHEFA scholarship. Even with their limited number of staff, SHEFA pulls through every time for their awardees such as myself. Keep up the great work, SHEFA!!

REBECCA W. CAMACHO

Associate degree in Business Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management Northern Marianas College Class of 2017

CARL F. DELA CRUZ Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) University of Missouri- Columbia

Thank you so much for your help and support! SHEFA funds paid for expenses like textbooks and meals—things that were necessary for my very survival. Without SHEFA’s help, law school would have simply been beyond my reach. This was es-pecially true for me because I already had a family before leav-ing for school. So as a recipient of SHEFA grant funds, it made all the difference. Thanks in no small part to SHEFA, I am now a graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia School of Law. Hopefully, I can contribute positively to our community and put my higher education to use by working for either the CNMI Judiciary or the attorney general’s office. Thank you again SHEFA.

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Hafa Adai and Kumusta I am Ignacio Joaquin Cosico Dela Cruz, a Spring 2015 graduate from the University of Guam with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Before I moved to Guam to pursue my higher learning, I knew that a college degree, albeit a worthwhile investment, entailed a pretty penny price tag. This made me think about ways to pay for college. Thankfully the schol-arships provided by the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assis-tance (SHEFA) office helped in a substantial way. The SHEFA scholarships, together with my other financial aid, helped pay for books, tuition, and even dorm fees. In addition, the SHEFA incen-tives gave me extra motivation to continue excelling in my courses. In college every cent counts!

After completing my degree, I moved back to Saipan to begin my teaching career. I currently teach in the Resource Room at William S. Reyes Elementary School and this school year (SY 2017-2018) will be my third year as a Special Education teacher. Although I began my career, I held onto my dreams of pursuing more education. It was to my surprise that I would come across an opportunity to do just that. I am currently a graduate student pursu-ing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from San Jose State University. One of the many great aspects of my program is that I attend school online which enables me to continue working here on Saipan. I am three years shy from graduating with my de-gree and I am excited to begin a career working with individuals with communication needs. I firmly believe we all have the capaci-ty to learn and have the room to grow as individuals. I encourage more of our youth and young adults here in the CNMI to pursue their dreams. We may come from a small island, but we can make a huge impact.

Ignacio Joaquin Cosico Dela Cruz Bachelor’s degree in Special Education University of Guam

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